Gbenro Adesina
Lady Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi-Ironsi, the widow of Nigeria’s first military ruler, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, is dead.
It was gathered that she died at 97 around 5am on Monday August 23, 2020. She died a day after the wife of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Adanma Okpara, died.
Her husband, Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was the first Nigerian military head of state; and ruled the nation between January 17, 1966 till July 29, 1966. Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed in Ibadan in a counter-coup led by late Gen. Murtala Mohammed.
In a swift reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing her as a God-fearing and foremost woman of valour.
According to a statement titled, ‘President Buhari Mourns Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, Wife Of The First Military Head Of State,’ signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President noted that the deceased was a courageous woman.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari extends deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.
“The President affirms that Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.
“The President notes that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association; she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.
“The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn”.
